Wednesday, March 19, 2008 MMDA to continue clearing sidewalks this Holy Week
THERE will be no let-up in the campaign against sidewalk clearing operations and other traffic obstructions in the metropolis even during the observance of the Holy Week, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said.
"We will continue with our sidewalk clearing operations to show that we are serious in our efforts to rid Metro Manila of traffic obstructions and to install order on sidewalks," MMDA general manager Robert Nacianceno said.
Target of the intensified drive would be illegal vendors hawking their wares on sidewalks, illegally built structures that encroach on sidewalks and road-right-of-ways, and even vehicles parked on the wrong place that tend to hinder the normal flow of traffic.
Nacianceno said halting the operation just because of the Holy Week celebration would send the wrong message to violators. He added that they could also be charged for being remiss in their duties if they relent in their campaign.
He said personnel of the Sidewalk Clearing Operations Group (SCOG) headed by Director Roberto Esquivel would implement the plan.
Earlier, the agency has implemented the "Pink Line" project, painting sidewalks along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (Edsa) and other major thoroughfares to demarcate the line between those conducting their business and the flow of traffic.
Since its implementation last month, the agency has apprehended and ordered 120 vehicle owners to pay a fine for illegal parking.
MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando said a total of 10,000 kilometers of sidewalks in Metro Manila will be painted pink in accordance with the project with the first 40 kilometers along South Superhighway and some portion of Edsa already completed end of last month.
When completed, Fernando said it would return about 60 percent of sidewalks and road-right-of-ways to pedestrians.
At the same time, Nacianceno said the agency would take advantage of the long weekend to conduct road repairs and other works concerning major thoroughfares in Metro Manila, since most will be taking their vacations in the provinces.
"The Holy Week is the only season of the year wherein road repairs and other works concerning major thoroughfares can be done without causing inconvenience to motorists," he said.
"We will take advantage of the long weekend to conduct our improvement works along the highways," he added. (AH/Sunnex)
